Ashes 2017-18: Usman Khawaja pleased to restore parity for Australia in Perth Test | Cricket - Hindustan Times
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Ashes 2017-18: Usman Khawaja pleased to restore parity for Australia in Perth Test

Omnisport | By
Dec 15, 2017 10:32 PM IST

Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja played well as Australia were able to fight back against England in the third Ashes 2017-18 Test encounter in Perth.

Usman Khawaja feels the third Ashes Test is evenly poised after he aided Australia’s recovery against England on day two in Perth. (SCORECARD)

Usman Khawaja celebrates after scoring his fifty for Australia against England in the third Ashes 2017-18 Test match in Perth.(Getty Images)
Usman Khawaja celebrates after scoring his fifty for Australia against England in the third Ashes 2017-18 Test match in Perth.(Getty Images)

After removing the last six wickets for just 35 runs to restrict the tourists to 403 all out, the home side closed 200 behind on 203-3, with Steve Smith closing in on a second century of the series.

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Australia’s captain reached stumps 92 not out off just 122 balls, featuring 14 fours and a six, following a third-wicket stand of 124 with Khawaja who, in stark contrast to his partner, scratched around for a battling 50 from 123 before being trapped lbw by Chris Woakes.

READ | Ashes: Steve Smith leads Australia fightback vs England in Perth Test

When asked to give his opinion on which dressing room would be the happier ahead of Saturday’s play at the WACA, Khawaja found it difficult to pick a side.

“It’s pretty hard, it’s fairly even at the moment, tomorrow’s a big day,” he told BT Sport.

“It was very good to restrict them to 400 after yesterday. [Dawid] Malan and [Jonny] Bairstow batted beautifully, it could have been a lot worse but the bowlers bowled really well.

“The WACA is a beautiful place to play, there’s a lot of value for your shots. If you get a partnership going the runs flow, Steve Smith is batting beautifully and Shaun Marsh is in terrific touch too.

“We’ve [he and Smith] played with each other a long time now, all the way from New South Wales, so we know each other pretty well so we don’t have to say too much so it’s business as usual.”

When asked for his opinion on his lbw decision, which was given out on the field and showed umpire’s call for both impact and height, Khawaja was philosophical in his response.

“I thought it was high but once he gives it out it’s hard to overturn,” he said. “It was umpire’s call so there you go.”

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